A very funny book which had me giggling all the way through. What a breath of fresh air, so refreshing to read a funny but, very true book. As you can read I absolutely loved this book and I'm bereft that I've finished it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is the second book I've read by Harper Ford and if the next one is on par with this excellent story, I'll be diving in again.

Any woman going through the menopause should read this book for reassurance, validation and humour.

Ford creates characters so well rounded, so authentic, they could be in my phone already. I wish I was part of the M &M WhatsApp group. More importantly, I wish I'd been in it when I was approaching the menopause.

I loved the honest way Ford tackled some of the grimmer symptoms women can experience, which was both educational and comforting. Nothing was overlooked and put away for another day. The way lack of self esteem was depicted was so heartbreaking and accurate. Ford introduced characters who reported lack of libido and sudden crushes in such a faithful way, we've all been there!

I wanted to cry for Heidi on more than one occasion but laugh at the ridiculous state of affairs she was in. So relatable.

I don't think I'll ever read a more truer tale of midlife than this.

I previously read and enjoyed, Divorced ( Not Dead ) by Harper Ford. So when I saw this new release, Hot not Bothered, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. This not only reached, but exceeded all expectations I had going in.
Although written in a lighthearted way, the author manages to convey a great deal of depth and meaning to the characters and the story.
I really like the fact that this book focuses on “Women of a certain age” and all that comes with it. The difficulties and day to day in general that have to be dealt with and overcome.
Throw into the mix the lack of help and recognition from the medical professionals, and in Heidi, the author has given us a complex, understandable and totally relatable main character.
Due to a particularly bad day at work, Heidi is pushed over the edge. What ensues after this changes Heidi, her friends, her family & her work forever more.
I’ve no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this to not only women of a certain age, those who are approaching this age & those who have been through this age, but any woman in general. I feel the younger women would benefit from reading this to give them some sort of idea of what’s to come.
I really can’t wait to hear more from this author in the future. If Harper Ford continues this trend, then the next book will be better still, she’s certainly become a must-read author for me.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. Much appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed!

A hilarious and very relatable read!! And like the main character, Heidi, I'm navigating that 'coming of middle age' myself so it was like seeing my life and thoughts on the pages! From the brain fog, to the random rage - normal life is exhausting when peri/menopause is kicking your butt!!

Heidi takes herself on a journey of discovery for online advice of how to deal with this stage of life and discovers horror stories that scare the pants off her! She's also living with no filter, so what she thinks she says and that lands her in a spot of trouble at work! So now she's taking on a new group, and this is where she finds some stability and support from others going through the same thing and leaves her feeling less alone!

She's also looking back at the past, so when a Uni reunion invite pops up that starts stirring up old memories, and how you can put rose tinted glasses on where some people are concerned! It's always good for seeing people for who they really are!

I loved how this story flowed! There's so much to connect with if you're going through the same thing, or have been through it, and it's like your own little support group in a book! Finding support where you least expect it and helping each other to navigate the challenges that life is throwing at us! The humour is right up my street and is the perfect tonic for those ragey days that being a middle aged woman brings our way!! Highly recommended!!

What an absolutely amazing story!

I’m currently going through the menopause myself and it’s been life changing for me in many negative ways. Having previously read another authors book based on menopause and being really disappointed as it wasn’t relatable, I didn’t hold out much hope for this book!

Well there was no similarities between the two books. This book is amazing and so relatable and I honestly felt like the book was about me. I even learnt a couple of things that I might try to help me with my own struggles.

I can’t speak for those not going through the menopause but if you are this book is one you just have to read.

Superbly written!

Took me a while to get into this book but I'm glad I persevered. Although funny, I also felt a little annoyed to begin with, feeling it was taking a serious matter too frivolously as lots of people really suffer through the menopause and it felt like something which shouldn't be taken flippantly. However, I did warnm to our heroine and enjoyed the intertwined stories of the other characters, particularly her children, work colleagues and old university friends.

If you’re looking for an easy and enjoyable read, this book fits the bill perfectly. The story is lighthearted, with just enough drama to keep things interesting. The characters are likable, and the dialogue flows naturally. It’s the kind of book you can read in a single weekend and feel thoroughly entertained. It’s a pleasant escape for anyone in need of a feel-good story.

Heidi is tired. Heidi is grumpy. Heidi is perimenopausal.

Feeling washed out, Heidi is trying to keep all her plates spinning, a stressful job and co-parenting her two children. When a patronising “all staff” email plops into her inbox which supports “women of a certain age” it is the match to the touchpaper of Heidi’s already heightened emotions. Appeasing herself by writing a frank and honest reply, which she never intends to send, imagine her horror when she returns to the office to find everyone talking about her response!!

This book was a hilarious and refreshing look at a subject which is only now being touched on, but which so many women can relate to. It’s a lively portrayal of a group of women all navigating their way through the rollercoaster ride of hot flushes and life changes.

Wholeheartedly recommend to anyone going through their own personal summer!

What a hilarious and true to life book. I haven't laughed so much when reading a book for a long time. Very relatable for many women as well. Loved the way this book was written and the characters portrayed throughout.

Who hasn't wanted to have a rant back at soemone in an email, you have maybe even typed it out, just to vent it out and get it off your chest, thankfully I have never actually sent one though!

Heidi is suffering through perimenopause, along with all the other stresses of life as a mum, employee and woman, so the rage flows easily from her, but she never meant it to be seen by anyone else. But it might just be the best thing to happen as she finds her people in the M&M's!

Being in a certain age bracket, this one hit home for me and I could definitely identify with the ladies and their struggles, but I highly recommend this to everyone as a funny, heartwarming read.

Menopause is not fun (believe me I know!)
Heidi is full of hot flushes, anxiety, digestive issues, brain fog and rage…so much rage that cases her to write a very unfortunate email and pressing send instead of delete.
To make amends she is forced to start a menopause support group at work. Instead of it being awful she finds the best group of women all going through similar symptoms.
When a uni reunion is organised Heidi finds herself back in touch with her uni housemates, Nate the “rock god” who she had the worst crush on and Luke the kindest friend she ever had.
I thoroughly enjoyed this rom com and it was a refreshing change to read about someone of my age going through similar things (although mine are not as dramatic obviously)

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I enjoyed this humorous and insightful exploration of what the coming of middle age is like for women. Heidi is a likeable character that you invest in, and her emotions, experiences and observations are relatable. There is a diverse cast of characters, which adds authenticity and depth to the story. I like the familial and friendship relationship dynamics and how stories like this make women realise they are not facing this hormonal runaway train alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This book is a sharp, comedic dive into the unexpected twists of midlife, and it’s packed with laugh-out-loud moments.

The story centres on Heidi—frazzled, overheated, and running on fumes. Juggling a demanding career and raising two kids with a big age gap has left her short-tempered and worn out. But when menopause hits hard, she finds herself bombarded with conflicting advice, awkward doctor visits, and the weirdly wonderful world of online menopause forums.

Things take an unexpected turn when Heidi accidentally sends a brutally honest “reply all” to a condescending HR email aimed at “women of a certain age.” Her unfiltered response turns her into the office’s unintentional spokesperson for menopause, and what follows is a cascade of hilarious and cringe-worthy events.

It’s a clever, uplifting celebration of community, second chances, and the power of embracing who you are—hot flushes and all. If you’re ready for a refreshing and funny take on midlife, Hot Not Bothered won’t disappoint.

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Jumping on the menopause zeitgeist, this is a sweet warm tale of female friendship, the power of community, and a reminder that life is not over at fifty. Utterly predictable, but easy and engaging a read.

I was kindly gifted a copy of this ebook for a review. A little late reviewing but this book made me chuckle. It's the first I've read by this author but won't be the last. This book is about a mum of two going through the perimenopause.
It was comical yet heartwarming aspects aswell. There is not enough spoken about menopause. A great easy read to finish up on a Sunday afternoon

I love this menopause and relatable points of Heidi's experience in this book, it was very easy to read, enjoyable and funny,

Absolutely bloody hilarious rage-filled voice of a hormonal generation. This book is a warm hug (but don’t touch me I’m too hot) that will fill your heart and help you feel better about shoving a lamb shoulder in the dishwasher.

This really made me laugh this book, although I can’t relate to the age or where Heidi currently is in her life it is laugh out loud funny!! I loved the pure honesty that went into this around the menopause, I agree that we don’t nearly know enough so to read about it in fiction was eye opening. I love the female friendships, the actual romantic relationships didn’t feel fully fleshed out near the end and felt rushed but I’m not too fussed. I love the M&Ms and their scenes. The book kind of gives me Bridget jones diary vibes the tone it’s written in.

Harper Ford’s Hot (not bothered) is a laugh-out-loud journey into the menopause that had me howling with laughter more than once.

Heidi’s sharp wit and hilarious inner thoughts kept me eagerly turning the pages, curious to see what she'd say next. The bond between Heidi and her ex-husband Geoff, along with the friendships they share with their neighbours added a lot of heart to the story. The characters are wonderfully diverse, the colleagues who come together to form the M&Ms are very different yet the friendship that grows is something else, making the relationships feel authentic and relatable.

Ford expertly balances humour with more sobering moments - of which there are many - giving the book depth without losing its lighthearted tone. I found myself not just laughing but also reflecting on some of the insightful commentary on coming to terms with being perimenopausal. Whether it’s the opening kitchen scene or Heidi’s inner monologues, this story is packed with memorable moments.

Ford’s writing is sharp, well-researched, and relatable, making it easy to get lost in Heidi’s world. If you're looking for an enjoyable, funny, and thought-provoking read, Hot (not bothered) is a perfect choice. An absolute gem for anyone wanting a fun and honest take on the ups and downs of being a middle-aged woman facing the menopause. Highly recommend!

Heidi has just discovered that she isn’t losing her mind, she’s going through perimenopause - which is similar to losing your mind!

When she inadvertently sends an extremely snotty email to work colleagues, she inadvertently ends up running a menopause group at work.

I don’t think there is a woman on earth who wouldn’t resonate with some, if not all of this book.

Having gone through perimenopause (and almost seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of menopause), I still learnt so much from this book.

This is information that should be taught to our children in schools - life skills. My generation has been totally unprepared for perimenopause and menopause, because it has never been deemed as important - yet it is.

A funny account, but also surprising at how much resonates.

My thanks to the author for enlightening so many women, whilst making it so we can laugh at ourselves too.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.